James 'Jimmy' T. Laurie, 72, Bowdon, ND, formerly of Staten Island, New York, passed away quietly on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his home in Bowdon following a battle with a rare cancer. A true patriot, he fought for his country in the Vietnam War, and spent the rest of his life battling various illnesses that resulted from his exposure to Agent Orange, which ultimately resulted in the rare cancer that caused his death.
James Laurie, son of Robert Laurie and Margaret Laurie nee Lehman, was born June 3, 1944 at Staten Island, New York where he was raised. He received his early education at St. Margaret Mary's Elementary School and later attended New Dorp High School, graduating in 1962.
In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army and completed his basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. He transferred to Ft. Benning, Georgia where he received Airborne and Ranger Training. He then served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 as point man with the 'Jumping Mustangs' 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, Airborne Infantry. It was during a mission in August of 1967 that he was wounded as a result of enemy fire. He received the Bronze Star Medal and nearly 50 years later he was ceremoniously awarded the Purple Heart on July 28, 2016 by US Senator John Hoeven. Following his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1969, James worked in Staten Island with Joe Palmieri & Sons as a painter for several years before moving to Colorado where he enjoyed spending time outdoors as a hunting guide in the Littleton and Meeker areas.
James married his wife Marie Goepel on December 21, 1980 in New York City. They were happily married 37 years and were truly each other's soul mates. They traveled and enjoyed each other until the very end of James' life.
In 1983, James & Marie moved to Greentown, Pennsylvania where he was co-owner of J & M Painting for many years. Following his retirement in 2006, they moved to Bowdon, ND where he spent his time hunting, fishing, walking through the fields with his hunting dogs and enjoying the great outdoors. James's greatest love, however, was his family.
Despite battling various illnesses throughout his adult life that resulted from his time in the Army, Jimmy always maintained his sense of humor and his appetite, often saying "this is the best thing I ever ate" with widely opened eyes. Also saying "I've never eaten one of anything in my entire life"
He is survived by his wife Marie; his children, Veronica (Jeremy) Wiesz of rural Heaton, Vicki (John) Esposito of Staten Island, NY and Patrick (Vanessa) Dalessio of Staten Island, NY; 6 grandchildren, Samantha, James & John Esposito, Christopher Dalessio, and Hailey Rae & Austin Wiesz; and his sister, Constance Laurie Heidler of Staten Island, New York. Being the ultimate uncle, James is also survived and loved by hundreds of nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Robert, Frank and Billy, and one sister, Margaret O'Brien.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to Wounded Warriors, Bowdon Lutheran Church or CHI Health at Home.
Funeral: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bowdon Lutheran Church in Bowdon
Visitation: Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden.
Burial: Wednesday, 3:00 P. M. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.
Arrangements with Nelson Funeral Home of Fessenden.
Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com